Intent To Prepare a Joint Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the Port of Los Angeles Channel Deepening Project for Navigation Improvement Additional Disposal Capacity; Los Angeles County, CA, 61262-61264 [05-21066]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 203 / Friday, October 21, 2005 / Notices
of the availability for licensing of U.S.
Patent No. 6,399,332 entitled ‘‘Bacterial
Superantigen Vaccines,’’ issued June 4,
2002; U.S. Patent No. 6,713,284 entitled
‘‘Bacterial Superantigen Vaccines,’’
issued March 30, 2004; U.S. Patent
Application No. 10/757,687 entitled
‘‘Bacterial Superantigen Vaccines,’’ filed
January 29, 2004, which is a divisional
of U.S. Patent No. 6,713,284; and U.S.
Patent Application No. 10/002,784
entitled ‘‘Bacterial Superantigen
Vaccines,’’ filed November 26, 2001,
which is a continuation in part of U.S.
Patent No. 6,713,284. Foreign rights are
also available (PCT/US98/16766 and
PCT/US01/46540). The United States
Government, as represented by the
Secretary of the Army, has rights in this
invention.
ADDRESSES: Commander, U.S. Army
Medical Research and Material
Command, ATTN: Command Judge
Advocate, MCMR–JA, 504 Scott Street,
Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702–
5012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
patent issues, Ms. Elizabeth Arwine,
Patent Attorney, (301) 619–7808. For
licensing issues, Dr. Paul Mele, Office of
Research & Technology Assessment,
(301) 619–6664, both at telefax (301)
619–5034.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
present invention relates to genetically
attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines
altered such that superantigen attributes
are absent, however the superantigen is
effectively recognized and an
appropriate immune response is
produced. The attenuated superantigen
toxins are shown to protect animals
against challenge with wild type toxin.
Methods of producing and using the
altered superantigen toxins are
described.
Brenda S. Bowen,
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 05–21068 Filed 10–20–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710–08–M
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army; Corps of
Engineers
Intent To Prepare a Joint Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement/
Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report for the Port of Los Angeles
Channel Deepening Project for
Navigation Improvement Additional
Disposal Capacity; Los Angeles
County, CA
Department of the Army; U.S.
Corps of Engineers, DOD.
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:13 Oct 20, 2005
Jkt 208001
ACTION:
Notice of intent.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) published in the
Federal Register dated November 4,
2004 (69 FR 64280) a Notice of Intent
(NOI) to initiate preparation of a
Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement/Supplemental Environmental
Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR) for
additional disposal capacity needed to
complete the Port of Los Angeles
Channel Deepening Project for
Navigation Improvement (Channel
Deepening Project), Los Angeles Harbor,
Los Angeles, California. Subsequent to
the publishing of the NOI, several
changes and additional considerations
led to the publication of this
Supplemental Notice of Intent (SNOI).
The major changes and considerations
include the designation of beneficial
reuse of dredged material within the
Port of Los Angeles as a project purpose,
and consideration of reasonably
foreseeable uses to disposal sites. This
public notice also serves as the NOI to
issue any Regulatory and other permits
as may be required to implement the
proposed project. The SEIS/SEIR will
consider the potential impacts of the
reasonably foreseeable use of proposed
disposal sites for future port
development. The assessment will
entail the use of generalized
assumptions in lieu of project-specific
conditions that are not available at this
time or within the scope of the Channel
Deepening Project. It is emphasized that
a Record of Decision (ROD) approving
this SEIS/SEIR or approval of any
landfill disposal option will not
authorize any future development at
landfill disposal sites. Future State and
Federal environmental documents and
permits may be required prior to any
development of land created as a result
of this project.
USACE began construction in October
2002 and is currently using disposal
areas previously approved as part of the
Channel Deepening Project. The
Channel Deepening Project will improve
the efficient use of Los Angeles Harbor
by deepening the Inner Harbor Channels
to accommodate the most modern
vessels in the commercial container
fleet. The current project also includes
approved disposal areas that allow for
the beneficial use of dredge material for
environmental enhancement and
potential port development. It has been
determined that for reasons related to
construction of the currently approved
disposal facilities, project and contract
modifications, and dredging and
disposal operations, additional disposal
capacity of approximately 4 million
cubic yards (mcy) is needed to complete
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
the Channel Deepening Project. Details
regarding the genesis of the volume of
material will be provided in the SEIS/
SEIR. Disposal options identified to date
that will be analyzed in the SEIS/SEIR
include creation of new land that could
be used for future port development,
several environmental enhancement
options, removal and capping of
contaminated sediments at the
Consolidated Slip, disposal at the
existing Pier 400 Submerged Material
Storage Site, and ocean disposal. Other
options resulting from public and
agency participation and resulting from
further analyses will also be considered
in the preparation and documentation of
the SEIS/SEIR.
DATES: Submit comments on or before
November 21, 2005.
ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Los Angeles District, CESPL–
PD–RN, Attn: Joy Jaiswal, P.O. Box
532711, Los Angeles, CA 90053–2325.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Joy Jaiswal, Chief, Ecosystem Planning
Section, phone (213) 452–3851; or Email: Jyotsna.I.Jaiswal@usace.army.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The initial NOI to solicit public
comment and concerns on the proposed
action and alternatives was issued in the
Federal Register on November 4, 2004.
A formal scoping meeting was held on
November 30, 2004, at 6 p.m. at which
the proposed action and alternatives
were presented and information was
exchanged with meeting attendees.
Comments received on the November
2004 NOI and at the Public Scoping
Meeting will be incorporated in the
SEIS/SEIR. A scoping meeting will not
be conducted for this Supplemental
Notice of Intent. However, comments
received within 30 days from the
publication of this SNOI (October 21,
2005) in the Federal Register will be
incorporated in the proposed SEIS/
SEIR.
1. Authorization
The Port of Los Angeles Channel
Deepening Project was authorized for
construction by the Water Resources
Development Act of 2000. Construction
began in October 2002 and is currently
continuing using previously approved
disposal areas.
2. Background
The City of Los Angeles Harbor
Department (LAHD) administers the
Port of Los Angeles. The Port comprises
45 kilometers (28 mines) of waterfront
and 3,035 hectares (7,500 acres) of land
and water. LAHD administers
automobile, container, omni, lumber,
cruise ship, liquid and dry bulk
E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM
21OCN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 203 / Friday, October 21, 2005 / Notices
terminals, and commercial fishing
facilities. For recreational activities the
Port of Los Angeles provides slips for
5,000 pleasure craft, sport fishing boats,
and charter vessels. Community
facilities include a water front youth
center, a boat launch ramp, and a public
swimming beach. Educational facilities
include the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.
The SEIS/SEIR will access
environmental impacts associated with
providing additional disposal capacity
of approximately 4 mcy required to
complete the previously approved
Channel Deepening Project, including
project and contract modifications.
Additional disposal capacity is required
to complete the deepening of the
navigation channel and berthing areas to
¥53 feet Mean Lower Low Water
(MLLW) at container terminals along the
deepened channel and the removal of
dredge material that was temporarily
used as surcharge at the Southwest Slip.
This project meets a public need for safe
and efficient commercial navigation.
a. Project Purpose and Need: The
purposes of the proposed action are to:
• Provide additional dredged material
disposal capacity of approximately 4
mcy to complete the Channel Deepening
Project, as a result of material generated
from project and contract modifications;
and
• Maximize beneficial use of dredged
material by constructing additional
lands for eventual terminal use and to
provide environmental enhancements at
various locations in the Port of Los
Angeles.
The need for the proposed project is
because disposal sites developed for the
Channel Deepening Project and project
and contract modifications are
inadequate to provide disposal capacity
for all of the dredged material that
requires removal. Preserving the use of
dredged materials to construct
additional terminal capacity in the
future at various locations would be
considered to be a beneficial use of
dredged materials and another purpose
for the project.
b. Project Site: The project size is
located at the southern end of the City
of Los Angeles and includes portions of
the Los Angeles Inner and Outer
Harbors, San Pedro Bay.
c. Proposed Action: Proposed disposal
options and additional work being
considered for completion of the
previously approved Channel
Deepening Project as modified include:
(1) Adding up to 40 acres of land
adjacent to the existing Pier 300
expansion site; (2) creating
approximately 20 acres of eelgrass
habitat in Seaplane Lagoon or Seaplane
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15:13 Oct 20, 2005
Jkt 208001
Anchorage; (3) expanding of the Cabrillo
Shallow Water Habitat by
approximately 35 acres; (4) creating of
up to 15-acres of land within or adjacent
to the existing Cabrillo Shallow Water
Habitat for use as a migratory bird
nesting area; (5) using dredge material to
cap contaminated sediments within the
Consolidated Slip (approximately 20
acres and may include removal of some
contaminated sediments prior to
capping); (6) disposing dredged material
in the Pier 400 Submerged Material
Storage Site (approximately 120 acres)
thereby reducing the water depth from
¥15 feet MLLW up to ¥10 feet MLLW;
(7) filling two existing slips
(approximately 8 acres) at Berths 243–
245 by creating a confined disposal
facility for contaminated material; (8)
filling up to 5 acres of the North West
Slip located in the West Basin between
Berths 129–136; and/or (9) ocean
disposal at LA–2 or LA–3. Prior to
implementing option 5 above, the
USACE and Port would need to
coordinate with and receive approval
from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). If EPA approval is not
granted or received in the time
necessary, the remaining material will
be disposed of at LA–2 or LA–3 or any
other options identified above. Prior to
dredging and disposal of any
contaminated sediments, a
Contaminated Sediment Management
Plan will be prepared to address
disposal site design and contaminated
sediment management requirements.
The Contaminated Sediment
Management Plan would be coordinated
with EPA and other appropriate
agencies. Dredging in areas containing
contaminated materials would not occur
until consultation is completed.
The SEIS/SEIR will assess potential
impacts from reasonably foreseeable
uses of the proposed landfills for
consideration in selecting the project for
additional disposal capacity to complete
the Channel Deepening Project. The
assessment will entail the use of
generalized assumptions in lieu of
project-specific conditions that are not
available at this time or within the
scope of the Channel Deepening Project.
It is emphasized that a ROD approving
this SEIS/SEIR or approval of any
landfill disposal option discussed in it
will not authorize any future
development at landfill disposal sites.
Future State and Federal environmental
documents and permits may be required
prior to any development of land
created as a result of this project.
3. Alternatives
a. Five alternatives including the ‘‘no
action plan’’ are currently being
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61263
considered. Each of the four design
alternatives consists of a combination of
separate disposal sites and a range of
port development purposes for the
dredged materials that still require
disposal. The proposed plan, viable
project alternatives, and the ‘‘no action’’
plan will be carried forward for detailed
analysis pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, as amended), the
California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) of 1970 (Public Resources Code,
Sections 21000–21177), and applicable
environmental laws and regulations.
Incorporated within each of the four
design alternatives below are the
following: (1) Prior to placement of
material in the Consolidated Slip, the
USACE and Port would need to
coordinate with and receive approval
from the EPA. If EPA approval is not
granted or received in the time
necessary, the remaining material will
be disposed of at LA–2 or LA–3 or any
other options identified above; and (2)
prior to placing material at Berths 243–
245, the USACE and Port would need to
consult with the EPA, and dredging in
areas containing contaminated materials
would not occur until consultation is
completed.
b. Alternatives initially being
considered for the proposed project
include the following:
Alternative 1—Port Development
Disposal at Pier 300 Expansion (40
acres), Berth 243–245 (8 acres),
Consolidated Slip Cap (20 acres), North
West Slip (5 acres), Eelgrass Restoration
(20 acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water
Habitat Expansion (35 acres), Ocean
Disposal at LA–2 or LA–3 (remaining
material).
Alternative 2—Limited Port
Development
Disposal at Pier 300 Expansion (28
acres), Berth 243–245 (8 acres),
Consolidated Slip Cap (20 acres), North
West Slip (5 acres), Eelgrass Restoration
(20 acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water
Habitat Expansion (35 acres), Cabrillo
Shallow Water Habitat Island (15 acres),
Ocean Disposal at LA–2 or LA–3
(remaining material).
Alternative 3—Minimal Port
Development
Disposal at Berth 243–245 (8 acres),
Consolidated Slip Cap (20 acres),
Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat
Expansion (35 acres), Cabrillo Shallow
Water Habitat Island (15 acres), Pier 400
Submerged Material Storage Site (120
acres raised from ¥15′ to ¥10′ MLLW),
Ocean Disposal at LA–2 or LA–3
(remaining material).
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61264
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 203 / Friday, October 21, 2005 / Notices
Alternative 4—Ocean Disposal/Minimal
Port Development
Disposal at Berth 243–245 (8 acres),
Consolidated Slip Cap (20 acres),
Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat
Expansion (35 acres) and/or Cabrillo
Shallow Water Habitat Island (15 acres);
Ocean Disposal at LA–2 or LA–3
(remaining material).
Alternative 5—No Action
Complete the current project to the
extent possible utilizing the disposal
capacity and sites previously
authorized.
4. Scoping Process
a. Potential impacts associated with
the proposed action will be fully
evaluated. Resource categories that will
be analyzed are: Biology, air quality,
hydrology/water quality, cultural
resources, land use, geology,
recreational, aesthetics, ground and
vessel transportation, noise, public
health and safety, utilities,
socioeconomics (environmental justice),
and cumulative impacts.
The USACE and the Port of Los
Angeles (POLA) are preparing a joint
SEIS/SEIR to address potential impacts
associated with the proposed project.
The USACE is the Lead Federal Agency
for compliance with NEPA for the
project, and the POLA is the Lead State
Agency for compliance with CEQA for
the non-Federal aspects of the project.
b. Participation of affected Federal,
State, and local resources agencies, and
concerned interest groups/individuals
are encouraged in the scoping process.
Public participation will be especially
important in the environmental analysis
by providing assistance in defining the
scope of analysis in the SEIS/SEIR;
identifying significant environmental
issues and impact analysis in the SEIS/
SEIR; and providing useful information
such as published and unpublished
data, personal knowledge of relevant
issues, and recommending mitigation
measures associated with the proposed
action. Those wishing to provide
information or data relevant to the
environmental or social impacts that
should be included or considered in the
environmental analysis can furnish this
information by writing to the point of
contact indicated above.
c. The Draft SEIS/SEIR (DSEIS/SEIR)
document will incorporate public
concerns in the analysis of impacts
associated with the Proposed Action
and associated project alternatives. The
DSEIS/SEIR will be sent out for a 45-day
public review period, during which
time both written and verbal comments
will be solicited on the adequacy of the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:13 Oct 20, 2005
Jkt 208001
document. The Final SEIS/SEIR (FSEIS/
SEIR) will address the comments
received on the DSEIS/SEIR. In
compliance with NEPA, the FSEIS will
be sent out for a 30-day public review
period. Copies of the FSEIS/SEIR will be
furnished to all who commented on the
DSEIS/SEIR, and to anyone that requests
a copy. The final step involves, for the
federal SEIS, preparing a ROD and, for
the state SEIR, certifying the SEIR and
adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Plan. The ROD is a concise
summary of the decisions made by the
USACE from among the alternatives
presented in the FSEIS/SEIR. A certified
SEIR indicates that the environmental
document adequately assesses the
environmental impacts of the proposed
projects with respects to CEQA. Any
required permit would be issued
concurrently or soon after the issuance
of the ROD.
Dated: October 7, 2005.
Alex C. Dornstauder,
Colonel, U.S. Army, District Engineer.
[FR Doc. 05–21066 Filed 10–20–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710–KF–M
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Availability of GovernmentOwned Inventions; Available for
Licensing
Department of the Navy, DOD.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The following inventions are
assigned to the United States
Government as represented by the
Secretary of the Navy and are made
available for licensing by the
Department of the Navy.
U.S. Patent Number 6,625,896 entitled
‘‘Electrolytic Tilt Sensor and Method for
Manufacturing Same’’, Navy Case
Number 82938. U.S. Patent Number
6,802,132 entitled ‘‘Electrolytic Tilt
Sensor and Method for Manufacturing
Same’’, Navy Case Number 84300.
ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the
patents cited should be directed to the
Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Center, San Diego, Office of Research
and Technology Applications, Code
2112, 83570 Silvergate Ave., RM 2302,
San Diego, CA 92152–5048.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Stephen H. Lieberman, Office of
Research and Technology Applications,
Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Center, San Diego, Code 2112, 83570
Silvergate Ave., RM 2302, San Diego,
CA 92152–5048, telephone 619–553–
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
2778, E-Mail:
stephen.lieberman@navy.mil
(Authority: 35 U.S.C. 207, 37 CFR Part 404.)
Dated: October 12, 2005.
S.K. Melancon,
Paralegal Specialist, Office of the Judge
Advocate General, Alternate Federal Register
Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 05–21039 Filed 10–20–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request
Department of Education.
The Leader, Information
Management Case Services Team,
Regulatory Information Management
Services, Office of the Chief Information
Officer invites comments on the
submission for OMB review as required
by the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before
November 21, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Written comments should
be addressed to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Attention: Rachel Potter, Desk Officer,
Department of Education, Office of
Management and Budget, 725 17th
Street, NW., Room 10222, New
Executive Office Building, Washington,
DC 20503 or faxed to (202) 395–6974.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires
that the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) provide interested
Federal agencies and the public an early
opportunity to comment on information
collection requests. OMB may amend or
waive the requirement for public
consultation to the extent that public
participation in the approval process
would defeat the purpose of the
information collection, violate State or
Federal law, or substantially interfere
with any agency’s ability to perform its
statutory obligations. The Leader,
Information Management Case Services
Team, Regulatory Information
Management Services, Office of the
Chief Information Officer, publishes that
notice containing proposed information
collection requests prior to submission
of these requests to OMB. Each
proposed information collection,
grouped by office, contains the
following: (1) Type of review requested,
e.g. new, revision, extension, existing or
reinstatement; (2) Title; (3) Summary of
the collection; (4) Description of the
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 203 (Friday, October 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61262-61264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21066]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army; Corps of Engineers
Intent To Prepare a Joint Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement/Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the Port of Los
Angeles Channel Deepening Project for Navigation Improvement Additional
Disposal Capacity; Los Angeles County, CA
AGENCY: Department of the Army; U.S. Corps of Engineers, DOD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) published in the
Federal Register dated November 4, 2004 (69 FR 64280) a Notice of
Intent (NOI) to initiate preparation of a Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement/Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR)
for additional disposal capacity needed to complete the Port of Los
Angeles Channel Deepening Project for Navigation Improvement (Channel
Deepening Project), Los Angeles Harbor, Los Angeles, California.
Subsequent to the publishing of the NOI, several changes and additional
considerations led to the publication of this Supplemental Notice of
Intent (SNOI). The major changes and considerations include the
designation of beneficial reuse of dredged material within the Port of
Los Angeles as a project purpose, and consideration of reasonably
foreseeable uses to disposal sites. This public notice also serves as
the NOI to issue any Regulatory and other permits as may be required to
implement the proposed project. The SEIS/SEIR will consider the
potential impacts of the reasonably foreseeable use of proposed
disposal sites for future port development. The assessment will entail
the use of generalized assumptions in lieu of project-specific
conditions that are not available at this time or within the scope of
the Channel Deepening Project. It is emphasized that a Record of
Decision (ROD) approving this SEIS/SEIR or approval of any landfill
disposal option will not authorize any future development at landfill
disposal sites. Future State and Federal environmental documents and
permits may be required prior to any development of land created as a
result of this project.
USACE began construction in October 2002 and is currently using
disposal areas previously approved as part of the Channel Deepening
Project. The Channel Deepening Project will improve the efficient use
of Los Angeles Harbor by deepening the Inner Harbor Channels to
accommodate the most modern vessels in the commercial container fleet.
The current project also includes approved disposal areas that allow
for the beneficial use of dredge material for environmental enhancement
and potential port development. It has been determined that for reasons
related to construction of the currently approved disposal facilities,
project and contract modifications, and dredging and disposal
operations, additional disposal capacity of approximately 4 million
cubic yards (mcy) is needed to complete the Channel Deepening Project.
Details regarding the genesis of the volume of material will be
provided in the SEIS/SEIR. Disposal options identified to date that
will be analyzed in the SEIS/SEIR include creation of new land that
could be used for future port development, several environmental
enhancement options, removal and capping of contaminated sediments at
the Consolidated Slip, disposal at the existing Pier 400 Submerged
Material Storage Site, and ocean disposal. Other options resulting from
public and agency participation and resulting from further analyses
will also be considered in the preparation and documentation of the
SEIS/SEIR.
DATES: Submit comments on or before November 21, 2005.
ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, CESPL-
PD-RN, Attn: Joy Jaiswal, P.O. Box 532711, Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Joy Jaiswal, Chief, Ecosystem
Planning Section, phone (213) 452-3851; or E-mail:
Jyotsna.I.Jaiswal@usace.army.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The initial NOI to solicit public comment and concerns on the
proposed action and alternatives was issued in the Federal Register on
November 4, 2004. A formal scoping meeting was held on November 30,
2004, at 6 p.m. at which the proposed action and alternatives were
presented and information was exchanged with meeting attendees.
Comments received on the November 2004 NOI and at the Public Scoping
Meeting will be incorporated in the SEIS/SEIR. A scoping meeting will
not be conducted for this Supplemental Notice of Intent. However,
comments received within 30 days from the publication of this SNOI
(October 21, 2005) in the Federal Register will be incorporated in the
proposed SEIS/SEIR.
1. Authorization
The Port of Los Angeles Channel Deepening Project was authorized
for construction by the Water Resources Development Act of 2000.
Construction began in October 2002 and is currently continuing using
previously approved disposal areas.
2. Background
The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department (LAHD) administers the
Port of Los Angeles. The Port comprises 45 kilometers (28 mines) of
waterfront and 3,035 hectares (7,500 acres) of land and water. LAHD
administers automobile, container, omni, lumber, cruise ship, liquid
and dry bulk
[[Page 61263]]
terminals, and commercial fishing facilities. For recreational
activities the Port of Los Angeles provides slips for 5,000 pleasure
craft, sport fishing boats, and charter vessels. Community facilities
include a water front youth center, a boat launch ramp, and a public
swimming beach. Educational facilities include the Cabrillo Marine
Aquarium and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.
The SEIS/SEIR will access environmental impacts associated with
providing additional disposal capacity of approximately 4 mcy required
to complete the previously approved Channel Deepening Project,
including project and contract modifications. Additional disposal
capacity is required to complete the deepening of the navigation
channel and berthing areas to -53 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) at
container terminals along the deepened channel and the removal of
dredge material that was temporarily used as surcharge at the Southwest
Slip. This project meets a public need for safe and efficient
commercial navigation.
a. Project Purpose and Need: The purposes of the proposed action
are to:
Provide additional dredged material disposal capacity of
approximately 4 mcy to complete the Channel Deepening Project, as a
result of material generated from project and contract modifications;
and
Maximize beneficial use of dredged material by
constructing additional lands for eventual terminal use and to provide
environmental enhancements at various locations in the Port of Los
Angeles.
The need for the proposed project is because disposal sites
developed for the Channel Deepening Project and project and contract
modifications are inadequate to provide disposal capacity for all of
the dredged material that requires removal. Preserving the use of
dredged materials to construct additional terminal capacity in the
future at various locations would be considered to be a beneficial use
of dredged materials and another purpose for the project.
b. Project Site: The project size is located at the southern end of
the City of Los Angeles and includes portions of the Los Angeles Inner
and Outer Harbors, San Pedro Bay.
c. Proposed Action: Proposed disposal options and additional work
being considered for completion of the previously approved Channel
Deepening Project as modified include: (1) Adding up to 40 acres of
land adjacent to the existing Pier 300 expansion site; (2) creating
approximately 20 acres of eelgrass habitat in Seaplane Lagoon or
Seaplane Anchorage; (3) expanding of the Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat
by approximately 35 acres; (4) creating of up to 15-acres of land
within or adjacent to the existing Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat for
use as a migratory bird nesting area; (5) using dredge material to cap
contaminated sediments within the Consolidated Slip (approximately 20
acres and may include removal of some contaminated sediments prior to
capping); (6) disposing dredged material in the Pier 400 Submerged
Material Storage Site (approximately 120 acres) thereby reducing the
water depth from -15 feet MLLW up to -10 feet MLLW; (7) filling two
existing slips (approximately 8 acres) at Berths 243-245 by creating a
confined disposal facility for contaminated material; (8) filling up to
5 acres of the North West Slip located in the West Basin between Berths
129-136; and/or (9) ocean disposal at LA-2 or LA-3. Prior to
implementing option 5 above, the USACE and Port would need to
coordinate with and receive approval from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). If EPA approval is not granted or received in
the time necessary, the remaining material will be disposed of at LA-2
or LA-3 or any other options identified above. Prior to dredging and
disposal of any contaminated sediments, a Contaminated Sediment
Management Plan will be prepared to address disposal site design and
contaminated sediment management requirements. The Contaminated
Sediment Management Plan would be coordinated with EPA and other
appropriate agencies. Dredging in areas containing contaminated
materials would not occur until consultation is completed.
The SEIS/SEIR will assess potential impacts from reasonably
foreseeable uses of the proposed landfills for consideration in
selecting the project for additional disposal capacity to complete the
Channel Deepening Project. The assessment will entail the use of
generalized assumptions in lieu of project-specific conditions that are
not available at this time or within the scope of the Channel Deepening
Project. It is emphasized that a ROD approving this SEIS/SEIR or
approval of any landfill disposal option discussed in it will not
authorize any future development at landfill disposal sites. Future
State and Federal environmental documents and permits may be required
prior to any development of land created as a result of this project.
3. Alternatives
a. Five alternatives including the ``no action plan'' are currently
being considered. Each of the four design alternatives consists of a
combination of separate disposal sites and a range of port development
purposes for the dredged materials that still require disposal. The
proposed plan, viable project alternatives, and the ``no action'' plan
will be carried forward for detailed analysis pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, as amended),
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970 (Public
Resources Code, Sections 21000-21177), and applicable environmental
laws and regulations. Incorporated within each of the four design
alternatives below are the following: (1) Prior to placement of
material in the Consolidated Slip, the USACE and Port would need to
coordinate with and receive approval from the EPA. If EPA approval is
not granted or received in the time necessary, the remaining material
will be disposed of at LA-2 or LA-3 or any other options identified
above; and (2) prior to placing material at Berths 243-245, the USACE
and Port would need to consult with the EPA, and dredging in areas
containing contaminated materials would not occur until consultation is
completed.
b. Alternatives initially being considered for the proposed project
include the following:
Alternative 1--Port Development
Disposal at Pier 300 Expansion (40 acres), Berth 243-245 (8 acres),
Consolidated Slip Cap (20 acres), North West Slip (5 acres), Eelgrass
Restoration (20 acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Expansion (35
acres), Ocean Disposal at LA-2 or LA-3 (remaining material).
Alternative 2--Limited Port Development
Disposal at Pier 300 Expansion (28 acres), Berth 243-245 (8 acres),
Consolidated Slip Cap (20 acres), North West Slip (5 acres), Eelgrass
Restoration (20 acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Expansion (35
acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Island (15 acres), Ocean
Disposal at LA-2 or LA-3 (remaining material).
Alternative 3--Minimal Port Development
Disposal at Berth 243-245 (8 acres), Consolidated Slip Cap (20
acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Expansion (35 acres), Cabrillo
Shallow Water Habitat Island (15 acres), Pier 400 Submerged Material
Storage Site (120 acres raised from -15' to -10' MLLW), Ocean Disposal
at LA-2 or LA-3 (remaining material).
[[Page 61264]]
Alternative 4--Ocean Disposal/Minimal Port Development
Disposal at Berth 243-245 (8 acres), Consolidated Slip Cap (20
acres), Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Expansion (35 acres) and/or
Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Island (15 acres); Ocean Disposal at LA-
2 or LA-3 (remaining material).
Alternative 5--No Action
Complete the current project to the extent possible utilizing the
disposal capacity and sites previously authorized.
4. Scoping Process
a. Potential impacts associated with the proposed action will be
fully evaluated. Resource categories that will be analyzed are:
Biology, air quality, hydrology/water quality, cultural resources, land
use, geology, recreational, aesthetics, ground and vessel
transportation, noise, public health and safety, utilities,
socioeconomics (environmental justice), and cumulative impacts.
The USACE and the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) are preparing a joint
SEIS/SEIR to address potential impacts associated with the proposed
project. The USACE is the Lead Federal Agency for compliance with NEPA
for the project, and the POLA is the Lead State Agency for compliance
with CEQA for the non-Federal aspects of the project.
b. Participation of affected Federal, State, and local resources
agencies, and concerned interest groups/individuals are encouraged in
the scoping process. Public participation will be especially important
in the environmental analysis by providing assistance in defining the
scope of analysis in the SEIS/SEIR; identifying significant
environmental issues and impact analysis in the SEIS/SEIR; and
providing useful information such as published and unpublished data,
personal knowledge of relevant issues, and recommending mitigation
measures associated with the proposed action. Those wishing to provide
information or data relevant to the environmental or social impacts
that should be included or considered in the environmental analysis can
furnish this information by writing to the point of contact indicated
above.
c. The Draft SEIS/SEIR (DSEIS/SEIR) document will incorporate
public concerns in the analysis of impacts associated with the Proposed
Action and associated project alternatives. The DSEIS/SEIR will be sent
out for a 45-day public review period, during which time both written
and verbal comments will be solicited on the adequacy of the document.
The Final SEIS/SEIR (FSEIS/SEIR) will address the comments received on
the DSEIS/SEIR. In compliance with NEPA, the FSEIS will be sent out for
a 30-day public review period. Copies of the FSEIS/SEIR will be
furnished to all who commented on the DSEIS/SEIR, and to anyone that
requests a copy. The final step involves, for the federal SEIS,
preparing a ROD and, for the state SEIR, certifying the SEIR and
adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan. The ROD is a
concise summary of the decisions made by the USACE from among the
alternatives presented in the FSEIS/SEIR. A certified SEIR indicates
that the environmental document adequately assesses the environmental
impacts of the proposed projects with respects to CEQA. Any required
permit would be issued concurrently or soon after the issuance of the
ROD.
Dated: October 7, 2005.
Alex C. Dornstauder,
Colonel, U.S. Army, District Engineer.
[FR Doc. 05-21066 Filed 10-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-KF-M
